Share this:

Imprisoned Pussy Riot member Maria Alekhina has been denied her request for parole, according to Radio Free Europe. Alekhina is currently serving a two-year prison sentence in Russia after being found guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred or hostility stemming from a protest at Moscows Christ the Saviour Cathedral.

Yesterday, Alekhina declared a hunger strike after the judge prohibited her from attending the hearing in person. At the hearing today, Alekhina was represented by a court-appointed lawyer.

Meanwhile, Sir Paul McCartney has expressed his support for the members of Pussy Riot in an open letter to the Russian government.

In his letter regarding Alekhina, McCartney wrote:

“My personal belief is that further incarceration for Maria will be harmful for her and the situation as a whole, which, of course, is being watched by people all over the world.

In the great tradition of fair-mindedness which the Russian people (many of whom are my friends) are famous for, I believe that you granting this request would send a very positive message to all the people who have followed this case.”

McCartney also penned a letter on behalf of Pussy Riot’s Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, who is also serving a two-year prison sentence.

“I have had a long relationship with the Russian people, and, with this in mind, I am making the following request in a spirit of friendship for my many Russian acquaintances who, like me, believe in treating people – all people, with compassion and kindness.”